Single Publication

Goat Rocks Fire 
September 15, 2022
 
Overview: The Goat Rocks Fire continues to burn 1.5 miles northeast of the town of Packwood, Washington in the Goat Rocks Wilderness area. The steep rugged terrain and dense stands of timber have challenged suppression efforts, but cooler weather conditions are now assisting fire crews in suppressing the fire. Wilderness areas are established to protect and preserve natural ecosystems and wild areas. These areas provide opportunities for solitude and retrospective or primitive recreation.

Fire Activity: Yesterday, crews continued prepping along the 46 Road north of the fire with masticators and hand crews. After scouting the fire’s edge, personnel determined that construction of any line along the fire’s edge would be unsafe. The steep terrain and dry loose soil make footing difficult and trees more likely to fall. Considering this, additional equipment has been ordered to assist with the road clearing, which is creating a containment line indirectly around the fire. With less smoke and better weather conditions helicopters were able to fly for a period of time, dropping several loads of water on the fire’s edge.

Today, fire resources will be continuing their work along the 46 Road heading towards the Clear Fork Trailhead. Hand crews will be working along the Clear Fork Trail to continue creating an indirect fire break around the fire. Additionally, a Wildland Fire Use Module (WFM) arrived that will be working in the Goat Rocks Wilderness area utilizing trails and natural features to create a containment line. A WFM is a crew that specializes in working in wilderness or remote areas with little logistical support. This crew will be working and camping in the Goat Rocks Wilderness Area to monitor the southeast section of the fire.

Forest Closures: US Hwy-12 and Highway 123 are both now open for traffic in both directions, but fire managers are asking the public to exercise caution on the roads as fire vehicles and personnel are operating in the area. Forest Roads 1260, 1262, 1266, 4600, 4610, 4612, 4830 and all connected spur roads remain closed. Additionally, #65 (Bluff Lake), #69 (Three Peaks), #74 (Pipeline Road), #61 (Clear Fork Trail from the trailhead to the Clear Lost Trail), #76 (Clear Lost Trail from the junction of the Clear Fork Trail to the junction of the Packwood Lake Trail), and #78 (Packwood Lake Trail) are closed. Hikers can continue to access the Clear Lost Trailhead but can only hike south on the Clear Fork Trail.

Evacuations: All of Packwood and its surrounding communities except for Upper Timberline are at an Evacuation Level 1 (Be Ready). Upper Timberline is now at an Evacuation Level 2 (Be Set).

Fire Restrictions: Campfire bans and other use restrictions are in place across the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and much of the region. Campfires are allowed within certain campgrounds on an approved list at:https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/giffordpinchot/alerts-notices

Weather: Continued cool and humid conditions will keep fire activity low for the next couple of days. This weekend there will be a chance of rain that will help to reduce fire activity.

Public Safety:  Firefighters and heavy equipment are working on and around the area roadways. You can help keep firefighters and the public safe by driving carefully and by adhering to the closure orders until they are officially lifted.